The End in Sight

Welcome back after what I hope was a restful and fun-filled Spring Break. It is April and that means we are in the final third of our 2016-2017 school year. Time sure has flown by!
This is the time of year when students get squirrelly, teachers get restless, and families long to be outside playing together. I get it, I feel those things too! In fact, I may be the "Queen of Squirrelly!" What can we do to find success in the last portion of our school year?

Rest well. This time of year we spend more time outdoors, enjoy longer sun-lit days, and are woken by the morning sun even earlier. My recommendation? Play hard, but rest well. Sleep is an integral part of child development (and parental sanity). Children 5-11 need between 10-12 hours of sleep per night, while those 12-18 require less at 8-9 hours per night. If your child is having trouble sleeping, you may need to adjust your nightly routine, offer them some warm milk, or allow them more activity earlier in the day (to use up all that energy).

Eat well. Diet can also affect attention and focus. Excess sugar and artificial colouring may increase distractibility, while protein rich-diets and balanced meals may improve focus. Be sure to pack healthy, well-balanced snacks and lunches for your children. Pinterest is a great resource for creative and healthy lunch ideas!

Live well. As the weather improves and we get outside to play, balance is key. Are you sensing a theme yet? A balanced approach to work and play adds structure and variety to your life. Students ought to spend time doing any homework they may have, but also time outdoors enjoying friends, play, and athletics. Often, the school side of home life tends to drop off at this time of year, and grades can suffer because of it. Be sure to keep reading with your little ones, as well as providing time for older students to complete homework.

Personally, I love this time of year. I love the fresh green life that Spring brings, the extra sunshine, and the changing outdoor activities. I also appreciate the challenge it brings to school; the need for increased activity, creativity, and engagement. Whether you like it or not, change is upon us--how well you handle it is up to you! I hope you are able to rest well, eat well, and live well.
Mrs. Ashley